Land promotion
Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.
Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

The best place to develop your career
We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents. We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.
We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.
We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

Our people thrive
Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.
In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.
In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.
Testimonials
Development Management Trainee
"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”
Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Location: Birmingham
Job Type: Commercial
Application Deadline: 26-03-2026
⭐ Assistant Quantity Surveyor 📍 West Midlands🏢 WPSWe’re looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our WPS team in the West Midlands — supporting our Site and Project Surveyors across pre‑ and post‑contract activities, commercial functions and contract reporting. If you’re eager to grow your commercial career and love working as part of a supportive team, this role is for you! 💼✨What you’ll be doing 💡 🔐 Carry out regular site safety samples and build confidence reviewing subcontractor safety checks. 👥 Take ownership of your PDRs, training, and personal development. 🎯 Review objectives with your line manager and keep your action plans up to date. 📏 Complete on‑site measurements/take‑offs and maintain accurate commercial records. 🧾 Support with valuation, cost tracking, day works, and understanding contract obligations. 🤝 Communicate professionally with customers and colleagues, helping us deliver a great Wates experience. 📊 Learn how our commercial processes and M&V cycles work to support monthly CVRs.What we’re looking for 🌱 🎓 Working towards or already holding an industry‑accredited construction/commercial degree. 📚 Basic knowledge of construction methods, measurement & valuation, cost control, contract records and procurement. 🤝 Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across site, supply chain and PQS/design teams. 📈 A genuine interest in developing commercial skills and growing within WPS.Why join WPS?At Wates, people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll join a friendly, community‑minded business with real opportunities to learn, grow and shape your career. 🌟📩 Apply todayReady to take the next step? Apply today and help us deliver a safe, efficient and customer‑first repairs service. ✉️🔗
Commercial Administrator
Location: Birmingham
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 26-03-2026
⭐ Commercial Administrator 📍 West Midlands🏢 WPSWe’re looking for a proactive and detail‑driven Commercial Administrator to join our WPS team in the West Midlands! If you love organisation, accuracy and being the go‑to support for a busy commercial function, this role is a great fit. 💼✨What you’ll be doing 📋You’ll play a key part in keeping our commercial processes running smoothly, including: 🧾 Inputting schedule of rate items into the client system 📤 Producing & sending subcontractor pre‑works schedules of rates 🧠 Preparing scoping and pricing documents for checking 🔄 Inputting variations into the client system ✔️ Checking & processing subcontractor applications 💸 Releasing pre‑agreed invoices within our financial system (COINS) 🔍 Tracking & resolving post‑inspection queries 📥 Coding new orders from booking sheets, photos & subcontractor invoices before passing to the QS 🧮 Creating client invoices and liaising with their payroll team to ensure timely paymentWhat we’re looking for 🌟 Someone who is organised, accurate and confident using systems A great communicator who can build good working relationships A team player who enjoys supporting others and maintaining smooth processesWhy join WPS?You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly and growing team where your work genuinely makes a difference. At Wates, we care about people, development and giving you the tools to succeed. 🌱💙📩 Apply todayReady to take the next step? Apply today and help us deliver a safe, efficient and customer‑first repairs service. ✉️🔗
Company Secretariat Assistant
Location: Leatherhead
Job Type: Clerical & Administration
Application Deadline: 12-03-2026
Company Secretariat AssistantAbout the RoleAs a Company Secretarial Assistant / Administrator, you’ll play a key part in supporting the smooth operation of our governance processes. You’ll provide essential administrative and statutory compliance support across board and committee activities, ensuring documentation, filings and records are delivered to the highest standard.This is an excellent opportunity for someone with governance, legal or administrative experience who is eager to develop professionally—especially those working towards (or interested in) ICSA/CGI qualifications.Key ResponsibilitiesYou will support the Company Secretariat team with a variety of governance and administrative tasks, including: Attending committee meetings, providing note‑taking support and tracking follow‑up actions. Coordinating meeting logistics and distributing papers and documentation. Drafting statutory Board minutes and assisting with written resolutions. Maintaining accurate governance records and ensuring compliance with internal standards. Preparing and submitting Companies House filings, including confirmation statements and other statutory returns. Responding to Know Your Client (KYC) and compliance-related enquiries from internal and external stakeholders. Assisting with preparation and management of Powers of Attorney in line with Group Delegated Authorities.Who You’ll Work WithYou’ll collaborate closely with: The Group Company Secretary, Assistant Company Secretary, and wider Company Secretariat team. Board members, committee chairs and their EAs. Legal and Compliance teams to ensure accurate governance documentation and responses. External stakeholders including Companies House, legal advisers and compliance organisations.About YouWe’re looking for someone who brings professionalism, accuracy and a proactive mindset to their work. Ideally, you will have:Knowledge & Experience Experience in a governance, legal or administrative function (preferred).Qualifications Working towards or holding ICSA/CGI qualification (preferred but not essential). Willingness to undertake further professional development.Skills Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Confident working independently and as part of a team.WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & bonus Flexible working - this role will be based in the Leatherhead / London Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting
Design Manager
Location: Newbury
Job Type: Design
Application Deadline: 19-03-2026
Wates Construction are looking for a Design Manager to join our team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Design Managers work collaboratively with our industry specialists and in-house technical experts to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Design Manager you will: Work with all relevant parties, to produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule to facilitate design, procurement and construction activities Support the implementation of Continuous Improvement initiatives and innovation Ensure the design has been reviewed and verified to achieve compliance and mitigate Health and Safety, design and buildability issues prior to construction and identify key risks and opportunities at each stage of the design and delivery process. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting